It is with great sadness that the family of The Sopranos star John Ventimiglia announces the passing of his daughter, Odele Ventimiglia. See below:
Odele passed away on January 12, just two months after welcoming her first child, Shiloh. The family has taken to social media to share the news and express their heartbreak.
In an emotional Facebook post, Odele’s mother, Belinda, shared that the family has been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support and love they have received since Odele’s death.
She wrote:
“Heartbroken to have to post our darling Odele’s funeral notice. Her sister Lucinda and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and love we have received, and your remembrances of how cherished Odele was to so many. Odele was greatly loved and leaves a huge hole in our lives.”
Belinda also requested that instead of flowers, those who wanted to send their condolonces make a donation to a GoFundMe set up to support the education of Odele’s daughter, Shiloh.
The fundraiser has exceeded its initial goal of $50,000, with contributions coming in from Odele’s father, John, and Sopranos co-star Stevie Van Zandt and his wife, Maureen, who donated $500 and offered their “deepest love and condolences.”
At the time of writing, the cause of Odele’s death has not been made public.
However, the family has been touched by the messages of condolences and support they have received from friends, family, and members of the community.
One person wrote, “I am so sorry Belinda, my prayers are with you and family. Odele was a beautiful and talented young woman. Baby is so beautiful, she looks like Odele. My Condolences.”
Another commented, “Belinda. I’m so saddened by your unbelievable loss. I watched Odele grow up and I know how thrilled she was to have Shiloh. No words can comfort you but know that I’m thinking of you.”
Odele, who had worked as a waitress at Beskler’s in Brooklyn, kept a relatively low profile despite her father’s fame in the entertainment industry.
The family is left to grieve the loss of a cherished daughter, sister, and mother, and to remember Odele as a “beautiful and talented young woman.” As one person commented, “May her memory always be a blessing.”
